Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a disease where the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) becomes inflamed.

CAUSES:

Ingestion: spoiled food or foreign objects

Infections: bacterial, viral or fungal

Certain medications: corticosteroids, anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics

Diseases: pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney disease

SIGNS:

Vomiting: foamy, with yellow bile and blood

Diarrhea: in large amounts a few times a day

Dehydration

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Gagging after eating or drinking

Abdominal pain

Fever

DIAGNOSIS:

Many cases of vomiting and diarrhea resolve quickly and easily. If the signs continue for more than one day, or if there is blood in the diarrhea or vomit, bring your cat to your veterinarian. Some tests performed may include:

Blood tests

Urine test

Stool examination

X-rays or ultrasound of the abdomen

Tests for pancreatitis

TREATMENT:

The goals of treatment are to renew lost fluid and to give the gastrointestinal tract a rest. Your veterinarian will do a few things:

Rehydration: orally or through IV

Diet: your cat will not be allowed any food, and you will gradually introduce water and easily-digestible food

Drugs: to stop the vomiting and diarrhea

Antibiotics: if the cause is a bacterial infection

PREVENTION:

To prevent gastroenteritis, you should:

Keep your cat on a healthy diet

Keep a clean environment to avoid infection

Be careful that they don’t swallow non-edible objects

Bring them for routine de-worming

PROGNOSIS:

Most cats with gastroenteritis will recover quickly with rehydration.

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